Humans vs. Zombies

Start of the 2008 Season (courtesy Drew Von Maluski)

A Human team outside the Campus Center

Zombies surround humans on the first mission of the game

A horde of zombies (not from UMass)

Humans vs Zombies is a live-action role playing game which involving many players over the span of a couple of weeks. The game involves bandanas for team identification purposes, Nerf weapons for human defense against zombies, and a website to keep track of the constantly changing teams.

• The official web site for the UMass game is http://www.hvz.massgames.org
• The UMass Facebook group is http://umass.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2219162329.

[edit] History

Humans vs Zombies was invented in the fall of 2005 at Goucher College in Baltimore, MD, by Brad Sappington and Chris Weed. Since its invention, the game has spread to many colleges and universities in North America, including the University of Pittsburgh, Cornell, Northern Illinois University, Wesleyan, Whitman, University of Illinois, the Rochester Institute of Technology, Tennessee Technological University, and UMass. For more information on the game, including "Goucher style" rules and a documentary made about the game, visit the official Humans vs Zombies website at http://www.hvzsource.org

[edit] History at UMass

Prior to its current inceptions, there had been calls by multiple people for a game but no effort made to put one together. Dante Ciliberti found a facebook group created by Sean Moore for the game which already had hundreds of members. They enlisted the help of Computer Science major Jake Boxer, who wrote new software for the game, and started the first game on midnight of Halloween, 2007. The Fall 2007 game of Humans vs. Zombies exceeded the organizers' expectations with over 1,100 registered members. The game ended with a resounding Human victory.

On November 7, 2007, game organizers held a food drive in the Campus Center for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, granting temporary immunity to all humans in the area and, in the spirit of competition, making it a contest to see which group could gather the most food. In all, 999 pounds of food were gathered, 509 pounds by humans and 490 pounds by zombies. Jesse Punch was the winning human food gatherer, and Doug Ramsdell was the winning zombie.[1]

The second game of Humans vs. Zombies began on March 26, 2008. This iteration featured more "missions," a cohesive story-line, organized squads, and a multitude of bonus opportunities for players. Experience from the first game ensured that this version ran more smoothly. The overall theme of this iteration was cultists/religion. The zombie horde arose due to the actions of a demonic cult under the belief of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Keith Rood, an admin, filmed a documentary of the game. There were over 600 registered players for this game. A food drive during the game yielded nearly 2 tons of food, and players also participated in a charitable program hosted by MassPIRG. The game ended with a close Zombie victory.

The third game of HvZ began in early October of 2008. This iteration featured missions nearly every day of the game, and also many encounters at night that allowed players to gain additional benefits. In addition, a system of daily vaccine and bite distribution was tested and named by admins "The Ticker System". The game had a corporate theme this semester. The corporation was called "Lazarus Corp.". To enhance the theme, a secondary website was made and artistically modified to mimic a corporate website outlining various aspects of Lazarus Corp. There were also two thematic videos released on YouTube, one of which gave a thematic and humorous explanation of the game rules. This corporation was run by a mysterious CEO that showed up in the training video. The game was recorded primarily by Alexander Silber and the footage compiled and edited in a second film called "The Lazarus Files". There has been rumor of a future semester continuing the story of Lazarus Corp.

The fourth game of HvZ began on April 15th, 2009. Some of the pre-game easter eggs for the game theme were hidden on the umasshvz website. Easter eggs included the distress call of the Free-Masons, the Timecube, and asteroid 10111. However, due to an administrative rearrangement, those easter eggs meant nothing for the game. This iteration of the game was Conspiracy/Alien themed. This game was the first to incorporate a "random encounter" system. This system allowed administrators to create their own NPC personality relevant or irrelevant to the story of the game, as long as the character related to the overall theme. Throughout the game, human players were guided by a conspiracy theorist organization called "Zaitgist". There was also a thematic Zaitgist blog where NPC characters would post information regarding the story and random encounters that both humans and zombies could participate in.

The fifth game of HvZ began on October 14th, 2009. Weeks before the game start, a short promotional film called [2]"The Rise of Ampligen,"] directed by Alex Silber was released. It introduced the story for the semester's game as a follow up to the initial Lazarus Corporation outbreak. Designed to be the toughest game of Humans vs. Zombies yet, it appeared to be true following the end of the first mission dubbed: "The Cavalry," with the majority of the human force (40% of the initial population) decimated in the woods behind the Orchard Hill Observatory. As difficult as the first mission ended up being for the humans, they managed to rally after the third mission titled: "Mutant Discovery Battle." This mission has been hailed by the humans as the turning point in the game, as the humans present were vastly outnumbered, but managed to bore the zombies who camped the area for hours with inactivity. During this mission, the Zombie King was unleashed, quickly becoming the zombie team fan-favorite NPC. But even he could not overcome the zombie horde's dwindling numbers come final mission time. The majority of the humans escaped in the Ampligen provided transport choppers. But a tantalizing message was left on the game site following the final mission:

In a surprisingly bold move the humans have managed to escort their small population to the helicopter landing zone and were safely picked up by an Ampligen helicopter. All remaining humans are assumed dead or zombified.

But did that chopper ever make it home?

Did any of the players on board carry the virus?

The sixth game of HvZ is scheduled to begin on February 28th, 2010. Rumors have been circulating that the game has been tentatively titled: "Dead Snow..."

[edit] Press Coverage

On November 2, 2007, an initial article by Stephanie McPherson describing the game appeared in the Daily Collegian: Zombies descend upon UMass

On November 8, an editorial decrying the "immaturity" of HvZ participants and apologizing to women was printed in the Daily Collegian. The author was Brad Liebowitz, a Daily Collegian columnist. It's a Nerfing shame

On November 9, an article appeared in the Collegian documenting the game and the successful food drive. This article was the first local press mention of "missions" in the game. Cans, cures - Zombie invasion continues: HvZ reaches halfway point

On April 18th, 2008, HvZ received coverage in the Amherst Bulletin, a local newspaper. Where is Will Smith when you need him? Humans battle zombies at UMass

On April 28th, HvZ at UMass received coverage by Fox News after the game was banned at another University.

Humans vs. Zombies?

Gun Games (video)

On October 19th, 2010 an op/ed piece by Dan Rahrig appeared in the Collegian labeling HvZ players as "fools" and the game as "disruptive." [3]

On October 21st, 2010 a Letter to the Editor written by Nicholas Katz called out the op/ed by Rahrig. [4]

On October 29th, 2010 a recipe was released for HvZ players and haters alike, using player's leftover marshmallows. [5]

[edit] UMass Humans vs Zombies

The Mass Games RSO (formerly Capture the Flag) hosts games of HvZ at UMass.

[edit] Rules

Rules are subject to change between games and during games themselves. Current rules are available on the official website before and during the game.

[edit] Overview

Overview: Humans vs. Zombies is an immersive, on-going live-action game with two teams; almost all players will start out as Humans and their goal is to survive to the end of the game. Zombies can turn Humans into Zombies by tagging them, but Humans can ’stun’ Zombies (remove them from play for a short amount of time, usually 10 minutes) using Nerf guns or by throwing socks or marshmallows. The goal of the Zombies is to turn all Humans into Zombies.

[edit] Equipment

Bandana 

This is used to identify game players. Zombies wear their bandanas on their heads. Humans wear their bandanas around their arms with a loose knot. Players wear red, squad leaders wear yellow, officers wear blue, and non-playing admins wear white. Humans must wear their bandanna at all times when they are not in safe zones.

Nerf Gun, Marshmallows, Rolled-up Socks 

Weapons for self-defense. Spring/air powered launchers are permitted for marshmallows.

ID card 

A slip of paper with the player's ID and password. Given to a zombie on a successful bite.

Overview: Humans vs. Zombies is an immersive, on-going live-action game with two teams; almost all players will start out as Humans and their goal is to survive to the end of the game. Zombies can turn Humans into Zombies by tagging them, but Humans can ’stun’ Zombies (remove them from play for a short amount of time, usually 10 minutes) using Nerf guns or by throwing socks or marshmallows. The goal of the Zombies is to turn all Humans into Zombies.

Equipment: You will need the following to play: a red bandana, wrapped around your arm to mark your status as Human or around your head to mark your status as a Zombie; a piece of paper with your bite code, which you will surrender to a Zombie that manages to tag you; and some way of defending yourself from the undead horde – socks, marshmallows, or Nerf guns.

Safe Zones: Humans cannot be tagged if any part of them is within a Safe Zone, although Zombies can still be stunned inside Safe Zones but within 10 feet of an exit. Safe Zones include the inside of all buildings on campus except for the parking garage, any moving vehicle, PVTA buses and motorcycles even when stationary, private residences, bathrooms, athletic practices, religious services, any place of work if the player is working, and the interior and parking lot of malls. This list may not be comprehensive regarding physical safety - if it is unsafe to play in an area or situation, do not play there.

Missions: There will be Missions throughout the game – events where one or both of the teams have specific goals and rewards for meeting them. Participation is optional but highly encouraged; players will receive detailed briefings prior to each mission.

How to Enjoy the Game: Abide by the law and all University Rules and Policies at all times. Obey the instructions of any University Official, and do not antagonize anyone. Listen to Administrators and Officers, follow the rules, and try to be sportsmanlike. Above all, play safely. For more specific rule clarifications and information on how to arbitrate a dispute, view the full rule list at http://www.massgames.org/

The Specifics:

Equipment/Weaponry:

   * Keep your bite code on you at all times.
   
     Mini-marshmallows and Peeps are acceptable. 
   * Marshmallows can become hard if left too long; consider buying new marshmallows if yours have become dangerously solid.
   
     Socks must be used as-is; they cannot be taped up, attached to anything, or have anything inside them. 
   * Also, use clean socks. Seriously.
   
      Cosmetic modifications must not alter the bright color of Nerf weaponry. 
      No power modifications are permitted. 
   *  The following Nerf weapons are not permitted: Nerf Crossbow, Nerf Rocket Launcher, Nerf football. 
      Use only official Nerf darts.
   
   *  Nerf mêlée weapons have absolutely no effect on Zombies, but you are encouraged to carry them because they look awesome.

     Don’t steal ammunition.
   * Don’t use anything that isn’t safe. 
     If you can’t shoot yourself in the eye with it, then it’s too powerful.

Bandanas: Bandanas are used to indicate the status of each player. Humans wear a bandana around their upper arm; Zombies wear theirs around their forehead. Stunned Zombies should drop their bandana around their neck while stunned. There are five colors of bandana:

Red – for standard players, Human and Zombie.

Yellow – indicates a Human squad leader, a much more inviting target for Zombies.

White - worn by the Admins, the people who organise, monitor, arbitrate and run the game. Do not try to stun or tag them; they are not playing. If you need rule clarification or dispute arbitration, you can ask an Admin.

Green – indicates a Non-Player Character (NPC). These will be used by the Admins as the game progresses, often to indicate something gameplay-related during a mission. You should interact with anyone wearing a green bandana in an In-Character way; they are part of the game. Be warned: an NPC may help you or hurt you!

No other bandanas are permitted. You may not obscure your bandana or which team you are part of in any way. Zombies cannot wear hoods over their bandana, nor can they use their hair to hide it; umbrellas do not count as concealment. Humans should not wear jackets or tops of a very similar color to their bandana. Thick, bright-red bandanas should be used by both teams at all times. To avoid confusion, this will be stated simply: obscuring, concealing, or being misleading about your team is not a valid tactic.

Human players must wear their armbands whenever they are not in a Safe Zone – there are no exceptions and no excuses. If you are concerned you might forget to put your armband on when you leave a building, leave it on even in Safe Zones. Any player caught without their armband will be considered to be cheating in one of the most game-disruptive ways, and immediate removal from the game may result. Zombies may remove their bandanas and take a break from the game if they wish, but upon putting their bandana back on they are stunned and must wait the usual time before tagging a Human.

Gameplay:

When a Zombie tags a Human, the Human must immediately surrender their bite code to the Zombie, who should log the bite on the website as soon as possible, and certainly no more than three hours later.

Regardless of when the bite is logged, the Human player is Zombified immediately upon tagging, but is stunned and may begin playing as a Zombie only after waiting the usual time. A Zombie will starve if they do not log a bite in a 72-hour period; that player is considered Dead, and no longer actively playing the game. There may be opportunities to come back to life.

A bite may be shared with another Zombie when it is logged on the website. Having a bite shared with you will lengthen your starve timer, but does not affect the timer-reset of the actual biter; it is in the interest of the Zombie team that there is as much sharing as possible.

Humans may stun a Zombie by successfully hitting that Zombie, anything that Zombie is wearing, or an umbrella, backpack or bag that the Zombie is carrying. Zombies may not use any sort of portable ’shield’. Only one marshmallow or sock may be thrown at a time, and each Nerf gun may only fire one dart at a time, although firing a gun from each hand is acceptable, as are rapid-fire Nerf guns.

While stunned, Zombies cannot tag Human players, nor can they assist other Zombies by blocking or restraining Humans in any way. Stunned Zombies should lower their bandanas around their necks to indicate that they are stunned. Stuns last for 10 minutes unless otherwise specified. If a Zombie is hit again while stunned, the stun timer resets to 10 minutes. Stuns reset but do not accumulate.

Zombies may self-stun if they desire, but must remain stunned for the full ten minutes after self-stunning.

Do not disrupt regular University functioning. Avoid screaming or shouting while near academic buildings during the day. Any injured players and anyone assisting them are considered temporarily out of the game. Play safely.

Stalking: Stalking is defined as a Zombie following a Human inside a Safe Zone for in-game reasons. Stalking is prohibited. Any Zombie who follows a Human inside a building, especially to track their movement or communication in order to aid other Zombies, is Stalking and should be reported. A Zombie who has a class, meeting, job, or other legitimate reason to be in the same building as a Human is not Stalking. If you are following a Human into a Safe Zone solely for in-game reasons, it is against the rules.

Humans may stun a Zombie who is inside a Safe Zone, but only within 10 feet of an exit. Humans may stun a Zombie who is outside a Safe Zone from within a Safe Zone, except from a moving vehicle.

Vehicles: Anyone on or inside a moving vehicle is considered to be in Safe Zone. The term ‘vehicles’ includes cars, bicycles, skateboards, motorcycles and PVTA buses. Roller-skates and -blades are not vehicles. The vehicle ceases to be a safe zone when it is parked or stopped, except for PVTA buses and motorcycles, which are always Safe Zones. For a bicycle to qualify as a Safe Zone, you must be on it, moving, with both your feet off the ground. The administrators are aware that there may be loopholes or exploits possible, involving bicycles, which lead to technical tags. The absolute priority is safety, and if an admin sees or hears of you playing unsafely, even in a way that is technically permitted by the rules, you may be immediately removed from the game. Anyone on a vehicle that is inside a building is considered not safe. Do not ride vehicles into buildings. Zombies may be stunned while in or on vehicles. All players should use common sense and stay clear of moving cars, trucks and buses during the game. Humans may shoot from a vehicle only if it is completely stopped. If the vehicle has an engine, it must be switched off before shooting. Zombies should not accept stuns that are launched from moving vehicles. Vehicles are not permitted during any mission. It is not safe for zombies to tag somebody while on a moving bicycle or from a moving car or motorcycle. Therefore, it is only legal to tag somebody when on foot. In addition, Humans cannot shoot from bikes.

For cars: If the engine is off, and the windows are closed, the human is safe because a zombie physically cannot get to them. However, being inside a car is not being inside a shield because a car is a vehicle that happens to be able to cover you completely.

If the engine is off and the window is open, unless stated specifically by the owner of the car it is okay for a zombie player to reach in and tag humans inside. If, however, the owner of the car asks the zombie not to reach into the car while the windows are open, or the owner of the car is not present, the zombie should not reach in because they would be altering that person's property by sticking their hand in the car.

The same applies for a zombie in a car with their window open. A human can shoot a dart into the open window of a car while the engine is off and stun a zombie legitimately if the owner did not specifically say they did not want their car to be shot at, or the owner of the car is not present.

Zombies should never jump out of a moving car with its engine on to go tag somebody. Darts that are shot from the window of a car with the engine on or moving do not count for valid stuns. However, darts shot from a car with the engine off that is not moving is fine.

Arbitration: Most players will be tagged and become Zombies at some point. Some people look forward to this, while others do not. For those of you who don’t, you’ll probably have to get over it.

If a dispute arises, defer to the judgment of an Admin. If an Admin is not quickly available, we suggest the following possible resolutions:

   * Rock Paper Scissors
   
     Do Over
   * Go your separate ways as if nothing had happened

If you have time, the ideal method of dispute resolution is THUNDERDOME. Involved parties should go to a lawn, field or other suitably-open location. Humans begin in one corner, Zombies in the other. The Humans may only have 1 piece of ammunition for each Zombie, between them.

Miscellaneous Guidelines:

Check the website regularly to see news, updates, statistics, the player roster, and player discussion.

The rules are subject to change based on the results of missions. Rule changes will be announced to all players by email or text message.

Ignorance of the rules is not an excuse for anything.

Teamwork is your most important asset. Branch out and help other players on your team, even those you don’t yet know personally.

The rulings of Admins are final and indisputable. By playing, you agree to abide by their decisions.

Above all, play safely and be sportsmanlike. detailed briefings prior to each mission.